Abstract : This study determined that it is feasible to conduct nationwide experimental research into the effectiveness of the most structured form of participative management--small, specially-trained work groups formed along the lines of Japanese quality control circles. The number of 'quality circles' in U.S. industry began to increase dramatically in 1980 and continues to gain wide popularity. Identification was made of over 1500 U.S. work sites with functioning quality circles. Of these, descriptive data were obtained on 713 sites, the vast majority of which were willing to participate in an evaluation of their circles effectiveness and which were past the initial 'pilot' stage of quality circles implementation--suggested criteria for inclusion in Phase II research. (A discriminant analysis determined that the characteristics of sites that were willing to participate in Phase II research did not differ substantially from those not willing to participate.) The range of sites identified is sufficiently broad to constitute a cross-section of U.S. organizations with functioning quality circles. From this pool a Phase II sample can be drawn.